Lest we forget

November 09, 2009

Lisa Raitt MP for Halton lays wreath at a Remembrance Ceremonies in Milton


91 years ago, the signing of the Armistice treaty between Germany and the Allies silenced the guns of the First World War. On November 11th, 1918 at eleven o’clock, silence descended on the battlefields.
 
In fact, the last Canadian to be killed in World War I was fatally shot at 10:58. Born in Nova Scotia, his name was Private George Lawrence Price and he was a member of a Saskatchewan regiment. One minute later, the largest conflict the world had ever seen was over.
 
Today, we recognize November 11th as an opportunity to give thanks and pay tribute to those soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country and the values we share as Canadians.
 
And, at the same time, we thank those Canadian soldiers who are today working to defend these values and promote peace in Afghanistan and around the world.
 
The members of the Canadian Forces honour those who have come before them. Their bravery and self-sacrifice will always be remembered by our grateful nation. It is because of their dedication and commitment that Canadian families live in peace and security.
 
Today, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we offer our gratitude and our commitment to never forget their service.